Abu Zaad, 128 Edgware Road, London W2 2DZ
13/04/2014
She said: Exhausted from watching
amazing people do amazing things in the London Marathon, I was craving Middle
Eastern food and wanted to wander the Edgware Road and let inspiration hit. The
call came from Abu Zaad, a Syrian, casual restaurant that proved to be
authentic in every way. We opted for five fibre-heavy dishes, all very good
including a juicy falafel, hara isbah (a lentil, crispy bread and pasta
concoction) and foul modamas (beans in a yoghurt sauce). A fresh melon juice
was the perfect accompaniment. The menu had a whole lot more that I wanted to
try and will come back for from wraps to fish and rice dishes. Service was
efficient, great value at £27 for two and we were even given some lovely
complimentary baklava with our bill. Edgware Road is full of Middle Eastern
options but Abu Zaad seems like the one to bank on for quality all-round.
He said: Abu Zaad is the real deal. Sit
down, and take in the atmosphere, the Arabic videos pumping from the TV on the
wall, the smell of shisha drifting-in from outside. A minute or two after
sitting down, I got this very pleasant feeling of wow, we could be in Beirut,
or the Gulf, or anywhere in the Middle East; certainly not 5 minutes walk from
Marble Arch! It’s not essential, but I do like when that happens in a
restaurant. We ordered and I couldn’t wait for the food to come, reciting
silent prayers that it would match the atmosphere. It came swiftly, as food
always does in Middle Eastern restaurant, and it did not disappoint. We found a
good local! I was so happy tucking into the various usual bit and bobs. It is
by no means the most sophisticated or best food of its kind; but it’s nice
home-style food, well-made, delivered with authentic warmth, and incredibly
good value: you will be hard-pressed to spend more than 4 pounds per veggie
mezze. Score!
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